Medical Cannabis CBD Oil for Pain (Cannabinoids)

The popularity of medical marijuana is soaring, and among the numerous products consumers are seeking are cannabis oils — the most in-demand of which is referred to simply as CBD oil. A wealth of marketing material, blogs, and anecdotes claim that cannabis oils can cure whatever ails you — but is it worth believing the hype?

Medical Cannabis CBD Oil for Pain: What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most abundant, non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant and in industrial hemp.

A cannabinoid is a chemical compound found in cannabis that can act on cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Scientists have identified at least 113 cannabinoids in cannabis. THC is the most prominent cannabinoid found in cannabis and is the only cannabinoid responsible for producing the “high” associated with cannabis. CBD is the second most prominent cannabinoid found in cannabis and the most prominent non-intoxicating cannabinoid.

What Are The Benefits of CBD Oil?

Unlike its sibling, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce a high — which is yet another reason it has become popular among patients who are sensitive to THC or who don’t want the intoxicating or mind-altering effects commonly associated with cannabis or many pharmaceutical drugs.

Research suggests that CBD can be highly therapeutic for a range of conditions from anxiety to epilepsy to pain. Of course, though, you need a way to consume CBD. CBD oil products are some of the most popular ways to medicate with CBD.

As legal medical cannabis spreads across the nation and high-quality research confirm its safety and efficacy, CBD continues to gain momentum among health, wellness, and complementary alternative medicine practitioners.

What Is Medical Cannabis CBD Oil for Pain?

Because of its popularity, CBD oil is being offered everywhere. You can order some online or grab some in a tobacco shop. However, the origins of these oils aren’t clear — and their benefits aren’t guaranteed because there’s little clue as to what is actually in them. It’s important to only source CBD oil from a provider you trust (like a licensed dispensary) who can also provide a list of ingredients and lab results.

Medical Cannabis CBD Oil for Pain: What Is The Difference Between an Isolate and a Full-Spectrum CBD Oil?

CBD oils are available as isolates or as full-spectrum. Most people don’t know the difference between the two, though it’s actually quite simple.

CBD Oil Isolates

CBD isolates are just what they sound like. The oil consists of just one active ingredient: CBD. The CBD has been “isolated” from other cannabinoids or terpenes.

Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Also called whole plant CBD, full spectrum CBD oil refers to CBD oils in which CBD was extracted from the plant along with other constituents found in the cannabis plants, like other cannabinoids and terpenes. Which cannabinoids and terpenes you’ll find in a full-spectrum CBD oil depend on what strain or strains the CBD was extracted from. Generally, you can find a list of the most prominent terpenes and cannabinoids on the label or from the lab results published online or provided by your dispensary.

Full spectrum CBD oil will often contain trace amounts of THC, but never more than 0.3 percent. If there’s more than 0.3 percent, the oil will be considered a CBD-THC blend and the label will prominently display the ratio of CBD to THC. Even with trace amounts of THC, CBD oil is considered non-intoxicating.